Which statement best reflects education for Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis?

• A. Avoid eye rubbing
• B. Rubbing eyes daily improves symptoms
• C. Discontinue PFATs
• D. Use daily steroid indefinitely

Answer: (A)

Avoiding eye rubbing is essential because rubbing worsens the inflammatory process in Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis and can cause mechanical damage to the eye surface, leading to complications like corneal erosions or shield ulcers. Educating patients to refrain from rubbing helps reduce itch-scratch cycles, lowers the risk of scarring, and supports safer treatment with anti-inflammatory and lubricating strategies. Keeping nails short, using cold compresses, and relying on prescribed lubricants and allergy-directed medications also play a role in comfort and disease control. In contrast, suggesting that rubbing daily improves symptoms would perpetuate tissue irritation and flare-ups. Stopping preservative-free artificial tears neglects useful lubrication, and using steroids indefinitely poses serious risks (glaucoma, cataracts, infection). The priority is minimizing mechanical irritation through not rubbing and consistent, appropriate therapy.